Chili Lime Steak Fajita Quesadillas (Easy & Flavorful Recipe!)

How Do You Get Steak Tender for Quesadillas?

The key to tender, juicy steak in quesadillas is choosing the right cut and slicing it properly. Flank steak and skirt steak are the best options because they have rich marbling that stays juicy when cooked. Marinating the steak with citrus juices like lime and orange helps break down tough fibers, ensuring every bite is flavorful and easy to chew. Always slice the steak against the grain after resting to maximize tenderness.

What’s the Best Way to Get a Crispy Quesadilla?

A perfectly crispy quesadilla comes down to the right heat, fat, and timing. Cooking over medium heat on the Hasty Bake prevents burning while allowing the tortilla to crisp up evenly. Using butter instead of oil gives the tortilla a rich golden-brown color with an irresistible crunch. Pressing the quesadilla gently with a spatula helps melt the cheese and fuse the layers together, creating a crispy, cheesy masterpiece.

Can You Meal Prep These Quesadillas?

Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for meal prepping because you can cook the steak and fajita veggies ahead of time and store them in the fridge. When ready to eat, just reheat the ingredients, assemble the quesadillas, and crisp them up in a pan in minutes. The marinated steak also freezes well, making it an easy grab-and-cook protein option for busy weeknights.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔️ Bold, Zesty Flavor – The chili lime marinade infuses the steak with a mouthwatering balance of heat and citrus.
✔️ Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions make this recipe a breeze!
✔️ Great for Meal Prep – Cook the steak and veggies ahead of time for a quick and easy meal.
✔️ Customizable – Use your favorite cheese, tortillas, or protein alternatives like chicken or shrimp.

Ingredients

For the Chili Lime Steak Marinade:

1 lb flank steak or skirt steak
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp fresh lime juice
2 tbsp fresh orange juice
1 tbsp lime zest
2 tsp chili powder
2 tsp ancho chili powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp cumin
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

For the Fajita Veggies:

1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 yellow onion, sliced
2 Fresno peppers, chopped
1 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp garlic powder

For the Quesadillas:

4 large flour tortillas
2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese (or cheddar, Monterey Jack)
1 tbsp butter (for crisping tortillas)

Optional Toppings:

Sour cream
Guacamole
Salsa
Fresh cilantro

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Steak

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, and all the spices. Place the steak in a shallow dish or zip-top bag, then pour the marinade over it. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor).

Step 2: Cook the Steak

Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the steak for 4-5 minutes per side (for medium-rare) or longer for desired doneness. Remove from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice it thinly against the grain.

Step 3: Sauté the Fajita Veggies

In the same pan, add 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add bell peppers and onions, season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and slightly caramelized.

Step 4: Assemble the Chili Lime Steak Quesadilla

Heat a clean skillet over medium heat and melt a little butter. Place a tortilla in the skillet, then layer on cheese, steak slices, and fajita veggies. Top with another sprinkle of cheese and place a second tortilla on top. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, pressing lightly, until golden and crispy.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!

Slice into quarters and serve with your favorite toppings like guacamole, sour cream, or salsa. Enjoy these cheesy, crispy, flavor-packed quesadillas with a side of Mexican rice or a fresh salad!

More Mexican-Inspired Recipes You’ll Love

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 40 minutes (includes marinating)
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 4 (1 large quesadilla per serving)

Estimated Nutrition Per Serving

Calories: ~600 kcal
Protein: ~38g
Carbohydrates: ~45g
Fat: ~32g
Saturated Fat: ~14g

Below is a printable recipe card!

Chili Lime Steak Fajita Quesadillas

These Chili Lime Steak Fajita Quesadillas are packed with bold flavors, juicy marinated steak, sizzling fajita veggies, and gooey melted cheese inside a crispy tortilla. Perfect for a quick dinner, meal prep, or a party snack that everyone will love!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 40

Cook Time 20

Total Time 1

Course: Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

For the Chili Lime Steak Marinade:

1 lb flank steak or skirt steak
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp fresh lime juice
2 tbsp fresh orange juice
1 tbsp lime zest
2 tsp chili powder
2 tsp ancho chili powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp cumin
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
1 tsp red pepper flakes optional, for heat

For the Fajita Veggies:

1 red bell pepper sliced
1 green bell pepper sliced
1 yellow onion sliced
2 Fresno peppers chopped
1 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp garlic powder
For the Quesadillas:
4 large flour tortillas
2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese or cheddar, Monterey Jack
1 tbsp butter for crisping tortillas

Optional Toppings:

Sour cream
Guacamole
Salsa
Fresh cilantro

Method

Step 1: Marinate the Steak
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, and all the spices. Place the steak in a shallow dish or zip-top bag, then pour the marinade over it. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor).
Step 2: Cook the Steak
Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the steak for 4-5 minutes per side (for medium-rare) or longer for desired doneness. Remove from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice it thinly against the grain.
Step 3: Sauté the Fajita Veggies
In the same pan, add 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add bell peppers and onions, season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and slightly caramelized.
Step 4: Assemble the Quesadillas
Heat a clean skillet over medium heat and melt a little butter. Place a tortilla in the skillet, then layer on cheese, steak slices, and fajita veggies. Top with another sprinkle of cheese and place a second tortilla on top. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, pressing lightly, until golden and crispy.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
Slice into quarters and serve with your favorite toppings like guacamole, sour cream, or salsa. Enjoy these cheesy, crispy, flavor-packed quesadillas with a side of Mexican rice or a fresh salad!

These Chili Lime Steak Fajita Quesadillas bring the perfect balance of bold, zesty flavors, tender steak, and gooey cheese inside a crispy tortilla. Whether you’re making them for a quick dinner, meal prep, or a crowd-pleasing snack, they’re guaranteed to be a hit! With marinated steak, sautéed fajita veggies, and melty cheese, every bite is packed with flavor. Pair them with guacamole, sour cream, or your favorite salsa for an extra delicious meal.

If you’re a fan of Mexican-inspired flavors and easy recipes, be sure to check out more of our recipes, including Smoked Queso with Steak Bites. Give this recipe a try and let us know how you like it!